Fulton Market Innovation District Plan Draft: Part Two - Design Guidelines (May 2014)

i Fulton Market Innovation District General Design Guidelines Draft May20, 2014

Appendix II Fulton Market Innovation District General Design Guidelines

TABLE OF CONTENTS

i Fulton Market Innovation District General Design Guidelines Draft May20, 2014

Introduction ...................................................................................... 1

Description ........................................................................................ 2

General Design Guidelines Rehabilitation .......................................................................................... 4 Masonry ............................................................................................ 4 Windows ........................................................................................... 6 Doors and Grilles .............................................................................. 8 Storefronts........................................................................................ 9 Awnings and Canopies ...................................................................10 Signs ................................................................................................11 Additions .........................................................................................12 New Construction .................................................................................14 Streetscape General .............................................................................15 Randolph Street .............................................................................17 Fulton Market .................................................................................18

INTRODUCTION

2 Fulton Market Innovation District General Design Guidelines Draft May20, 2014

These design guidelines have been prepared to guide the treatment of properties and streetscapes throughout the Fulton Market Innovation District in order to preserve and enhance its unique character.

Overall these guidelines aim to help strengthen the identity of this area and support existing uses, while encouraging new, compatible development.

Renovation of existing buildings for contemporary use is encouraged and new construction and additions are allowed throughout.

Streetscape guidelines aim to maintain existing uses, such as loading, to best serve existing businesses, while improving pedestrian safety and comfort and promoting other streetscape improvements.

The guidelines are intended to assist residents, business owners, property owners, property managers, builders, developers, architects, planners and other stakeholders in making decisions regarding changes to their properties. Guidelines for streetscapes are also intended to assist property owners and public agencies such as the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) when planning infrastructure improvements. The guidelines defer to existing Zoning and Landscape Ordinances and also reference CDOTs Complete Street Guidelines.

The General Design Guidelines are recommended for all new construction and rehabilitation projects that require City zoning review. Compliance will be monitored by City of Chicago zoning and land use staff, which reviews all zoning change applications within the city. Specific recommendations will be made, as appropriate, to property owners as part of the zoning change review process. Property owners should reference the guidelines prior to pursuing a building permit within the innovation district. These Guidelines were developed to ensure that the historic and architectural character of the Fulton Market Innovation District is protected and enhanced while allowing compatible new construction and expansion. The following are the general design principles: Repair rather than replace. Deteriorated architectural features should be repaired rather than replaced whenever possible. Repair and maintenance can stabilize

existing features and prevent deterioration.

Replace with compatible features or materials. Removal or alteration of significant architectural features should be avoided whenever possible.

Draw from existing examples within the district. For alterations, new elements, and new buildings, lessons can be learned from other buildings about the design of a building element and use of materials in a way that respects its neighbors. New designs may be interpretive, but should always preserve the integrity and scale of the district's character and scale.

Allow for creative and contemporary design solutions. Inventiveness in new construction is encouraged as long as such projects respect the character of the Fulton Market Innovation District.

View Corridors of Fulton and Randolph are of primary importance. The mass and scale of view corridors of Fulton and Randolph streets should be preserved.

Flexibility in Implementation. These guidelines are intended to allow compatible new construction and sympathetic additions and improvements. For that reason the guidelines are intended to remain flexible in order to address current and future needs of the area.

DESCRIPTION


The Fulton Market Innovation District contains the oldest food marketing district in Chicago with an ensemble of historic mercantile buildings that continue to function as wholesale produce and meat packing outlets. Though the majority of the buildings in the District were built between 1880 and 1929, it began to function as a food market in 1850 when the then-Town of Chicago built a municipal market hall building in the middle of Randolph Street at the intersection of Desplaines. As Chicago grew, the Fulton Market Innovation District developed areas of commodity specialization, with Randolph Street focused on regionally-grown produce and Fulton Market Street specializing in meat packing. In addition to food marketing and processing, the District includes a number of historic manufacturing and warehouse buildings. These reflect a larger pattern of industrial development on the Near West Side in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. The period of historic significance for the Fulton Market Innovation District is identified as 1850 to 1964. The start date refers to the city’s construction of a market hall in Randolph Street in 1850 which established the District’s function as a food market, a use which continues to a substantial degree to the present day. Because the district has such an extended history of use as a place of wholesale produce marketing and meat packing, many buildings within it have sustained alterations and changes that are related to their historic functions and that may have their own historic significance. While historic warehouse, wholesale and other commercial uses remain within the district, this area has also begun to attract new uses and development. Randolph Street has become a destination for upscale restaurants and bars, while new residential, professional services, retail and gallery uses have also located throughout the district. Physical Description This area is a dense, urban space with buildings built up to their lot lines and with no setbacks from the sidewalk. Many buildings share party walls. Construction throughout is generally low-rise, primarily two or three stories, with a limited number of buildings as low as one story and as tall as ten stories. Buildings throughout were historically built for mercantile, warehouse and light manufacturing purposes. Mercantile buildings are concentrated on Randolph Street while Fulton Market is composed primarily of light manufacturing and warehouse buildings. Lake Street and the side streets are made up of mixture of these building types. Truck and loading activities are present and are most prevalent on and near Fulton Market where they frequently intersect with pedestrian use of the sidewalks. Streetscapes Streetscape appearance varies between the main east-west arteries of Randolph Street, Lake Street and Fulton Market. Randolph Street Randolph Street is a wide boulevard, with planted medians that separate two center traffic lanes from additional traffic lanes and parking at either side of the street. These medians were installed in 1996. The street width and building construction along Randolph Street reflects its historic use as a wholesale produce market. Historically, the street was enlarged incrementally to accommodate its growing use as an open-air farmers market. Farmers would set up their trucks in the middle of the widened portion of the street. The center of the street historically remained open for traffic lanes and included a street car line. Buildings along Randolph Street generally consist of smaller scale, mercantile buildings constructed to supplement the wholesale market activities here. Lake Street Lake Street is largely defined by the elevated track structure that runs above the street, with support posts located in the parking lanes. This track was completed in 1893 with original stops at Racine, Morgan and Halsted. The Morgan station has been recently rebuilt. There are no remnants of the other two stations. Lake Street

DESCRIPTION


carries two lanes of traffic with parking lanes at the curb. Building construction along Lake Street primarily consists of buildings with larger footprints, constructed to house warehouse and light-manufacturing uses. Fulton Market Fulton Market is characterized by heavy truck and loading activities. Curb heights throughout Fulton Market vary and were historically determined by loading requirements for adjacent businesses. Fulton Market carries one lane of one-way traffic with parking lanes and loading docks at the curbs. Buildings along Fulton tend to be older and larger than those along Randolph Street and were historically constructed to house warehouses and light-manufacturing for the meat packing and associated food-related businesses that located here.

GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Rehabilitation


Historic brick masonry with limestone detailing

Historic terra cotta ornament on Randolph Street

Historic terra cotta

Masonry Existing masonry wall materials found throughout the area include brick, limestone, cast stone and terra cotta. With limited exceptions walls are primarily of brick with limestone elements. Cast stone and terra cotta embellish the lower stories and spandrel panels below windows of a few of buildings.

Deterioration: Signs of brick deterioration include crumbling or spalling of the brick surface, cracked or missing brick units, missing mortar, and efflorescence. Causes of deterioration include water-related deterioration, freeze/thaw degradation, water-soluble salts, acid precipitation, air pollution, and poor repairs including inappropriate repointing. Signs of mortar deterioration include disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose masonry, damp walls, or damaged plaster. Causes of mortar deterioration include poor original mortar, differential settlement, extreme weather exposure, or water exposure. Reasons to clean masonry include the need to remove retardant deterioration (soiling materials that are potentially harmful to the masonry), to provide a clean surface for repairs, for masonry inspection, or to improve appearance.

Repair/Restoration

Masonry should be preserved and retained.

Mismatched brick from earlier alterations should be replaced or stained to match the original brick. Masonry should not be painted unless existing brick has been painted.

Repointing (tuckpointing) should match the original in joint width, color, tooling, profile, and mortar composition.

Terra cotta or cast stone that is deteriorated should be patched and cracks repaired. Deteriorated brick should be replaced with matching brick.

Removal of masonry from in-filled storefronts is encouraged. See Storefronts.

Windows that were historically in-filled with glass block can remain glass block or can be replaced with historically appropriate windows. See Windows.

Replacement/Reconstruction

New brick and other masonry should match original in color, texture and unit size.

Limestone should be replaced in kind.

Terra cotta and cast stone units that are severely damaged can be replaced either in kind or with a carefully selected substitute material. Substitute materials to consider include: limestone, cast concrete, glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). Consult a professional.

Masonry should not be clad or covered over with a veneer or exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS).

Should major reconstruction be required, such work should support, repair and retain in-place as much of the historic material as possible.



Historic glass block

Inappropriate treatment for historic facades -do not cover masonry.

Further Information: For an in depth discussion of masonry see:

- Preservation Brief No. 1 “Cleaning and Water Repellant Treatments for Historic Masonry Buildings,”

- Preservation Brief No. 2 “Repointing Mortar Joints,” and

- Preservation Brief No. 6 “Dangers of Abrasive Cleaning to Historic Buildings.”

Cleaning

Cleaning masonry should be done using the gentlest effective means. Cleaning products should be selected specifically for the type of masonry and type of soiling. Avoid the use of harsh acids. Select an appropriate cleaner based on test panels. Masonry should not be sandblasted or abrasively cleaned. Previously sandblasted masonry may require a protective coating.



Historic wood windows on Randolph Street

Historic steel windows on Randolph Street

Appropriate new steel windows

Windows Except at party walls, windows are found on all facades of historic buildings and served to bring in natural light and ventilation. Windows were placed individually in masonry openings and in groups, often extending the width of a full structural bay. Windows in the historic district fall into two general types: wood with a single pane of glass in each sash and steel in a multi-light configuration typically with an operable sash insert. As the area developed, and with developments in electrification, some windows were filled with glass block or brick. Other windows have been replaced with aluminum windows. Since the district developed over time, consult with staff first when proposing a large window project.

Deterioration: Signs of window deterioration include paint failure, rough surfaces, UV damage, rot, and separation of sash and frame joints. At steel windows corroded metal and misaligned or bowed components also occurs. Causes of deterioration may include structural settling, water, vandalism, deferred maintenance, or improper maintenance practices including paint build-up. Further Information: For an in depth discussion of windows see:

- “Repairing Old and Historic Windows” by the New York Landmarks Conservancy,

- Preservation Brief No. 9 “The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows,” and

- Preservation Brief No. 13 “The Repair and Thermal Upgrading of Historic Steel Windows.”

Repair/Restoration

Preservation of historic windows and masonry openings is encouraged. If possible, historic windows should be retained and repaired.

Replacement

Avoid making new (non-historic) masonry window openings on primary facades.

If historic windows are beyond repair, replace maintaining historic window type, configuration, and number of panes, dimensions, profiles and proportions based on historic data.

Wood windows may be replaced with wood, aluminum clad wood, and vinyl clad wood or aluminum windows. Steel windows that are replaced should be replaced in steel or aluminum.

For window openings that have been filled in with masonry or monolithic glass units replacement with a double hung or industrial sash unit based on historic data is encouraged.

Window openings filled in with glass block may remain. Window openings may be filled in with glass block based on functional need.

On secondary facades windows may be retained, replaced or filled in with masonry or glass block. New window openings should not adversely affect the primary facades.

Dropped ceilings should be set back from the plane of the window glazing a minimum of 3 feet at the first floor and a minimum of 18 inches at the second floor and above.



Inappropriately proportioned, mirror glass windows

Inappropriately proportioned windows

Window Types:

Glazing is to be clear. Mirrored, reflective or dark-tinted glass is not appropriate.

Shutters, balconies and false balconies are not historic and are strongly discouraged on primary facades.



Historic industrial doors at Fulton Market

Existing industrial doors at Fulton Market

Inappropriate treatment - do not brick in door openings

Doors and Grilles Doors, in addition to storefronts doors, provide access to a building and display the style and character of the building through their size, placement and detail. Many historic doors have been replaced. Metal rollup industrial doors are located throughout the district. Historic industrial entrance systems at Fulton Market consist of wood and glass folding/retractable doors, with a fixed side door. For doors and entries in storefronts, see Storefronts.

Compliance: Historic doors may require modification or replacement to comply with current codes.

Repair/Restoration

Preservation of existing historic doors including historic industrial entrance systems is encouraged. Existing historic materials should be repaired rather than replaced. Historic materials that are damaged beyond repair should be replaced in kind or with materials selected to match the characteristics of the historic material. Missing historic elements may be replaced with compatible new materials.

Replacement/Alteration

Maintaining door openings in their historic location is encouraged. Restoration of door openings to their historic size in altered buildings is encouraged. Transoms and other historic features should be retained or restored based on historic data.

Making of new door openings and altering the size of historic door openings on primary facades is discouraged.

Balconies are strongly discouraged at primary facades.

Security grilles: new security grilles are to be located on the interior side of the glass when possible. Exterior grilles are to be placed as inconspicuously as possible.

Solid commercial overhead doors may be installed where required based on functional need.



Storefronts Historic storefronts located at the first floor filled the areas between the masonry piers or, in some cases, cast iron columns. Storefronts are separate from the door leading to other areas of the building either beyond or above. Storefronts are typically composed of a bulkhead (base), display windows and transom with an entry to one side or centered. The entry was historically aligned with the storefront or recessed. Historic storefronts were made of wood, cast iron and glass elements. Storefronts were proportioned relative to the masonry opening and were designed with large glass display windows to provide light and allow for the display of wares. Historic industrial entrance systems at Fulton Market also include assemblies consisting of wood and glass folding/retractable doors, with a fixed side door. See Doors.

Storefront Terminology:

Example of a historic storefront

Further Information: For an in depth discussion of historic storefronts sees Preservation Brief No. 11 “Rehabilitating Historic Storefronts.” See also: “Design Guidelines” for the City of Chicago Façade Rebate Program for Commercial and Industrial Buildings.

General

Retain transparency of storefront. Avoid displays that would block storefront windows.

Locate dropped ceilings behind storefronts a minimum of 3 feet from the plane of the storefront glazing.

Repaired/Renovated

Existing historic storefronts including historic industrial entrance systems should be retained and preserved.

Historic materials that are damaged beyond repair should be replaced in kind or with compatible new materials.

When renovating a storefront remove inappropriate alterations that have been made in the past.

Replacement

New storefronts including transoms and bulkheads should be compatible with the building in its proportion, placement (relationship to the façade), transparency, scale, materials, color and character.

Fully operable storefronts are acceptable. Operable storefront glazing panels should not be less than 3 feet wide.

Unless based on historic data, deeply recessed storefronts are not permitted. Historically storefronts were recessed one or two brick units (4-12 inches). Recessed entrances within storefronts are permitted.

Glazing to be clear. Mirrored, reflective or dark-tinted glass is strongly discouraged.

Detail of pier at historic cast iron storefront

Do not recess storefronts

Do not apply cladding over masonry materials



Existing historic canopy frame at Fulton Market

Awnings should be set within masonry openings

Do not cover ornament or other character defining building features with awnings

Awnings and Canopies Awnings and canopies should reflect the historic activities of the district. On Randolph Street awnings were historically used and these reflect the retail nature of the street’s historic activities. Unlike Randolph Street, Fulton Market historically utilized metal canopies. These reflect more the industrial history of the area’s activities. Awnings were mounted at individual storefronts, while canopies were typically mounted above the masonry openings and extended to protect multiple openings. Some canopies extended the full with of a facade and some wrap around building at corners. The use of awnings and canopies is encouraged.

Awning Types:

APPROPRIATE – Retractable Awning

APPROPRIATE – Shed Awning

INAPPROPRIATE – Bubble Awning Further Information: For more information on awnings and canopies see the City of Chicago’s “Design Guidelines” for the City of Chicago Façade Rebate Program for Commercial and Industrial Buildings,” and Preservation Brief No. 44 “The Use of Awnings on Historic Buildings.”

Repair/Restoration

Existing historic canopies should be retained and preserved. Replacement/New

Comply with the applicable codes.

Fixed or retractable shed type awnings should be mounted in a location that respects the design of the building. Awnings should be designed to project over individual masonry openings and not be a continuous feature. Awnings should be mounted within masonry openings and should not obscure or overlap decorative features. Awnings should project out at least 5 feet.

Flat and shallow-angled metal canopies may be installed where they were not historically located provided they are compatible in size, scale, location and design, and do not cover or damage significant architectural features. Canopies may extend over several masonry openings.

Awning materials may be woven fabric. Use of plastic, vinyl, or rubber awnings are strongly discouraged. Simple shed type shapes are appropriate.

Curved, bubble or other exaggerated shaped awnings or canopies are strongly discouraged.

Signage on awnings should be limited to valance area.

Internally illuminated awnings or canopies are strongly discouraged.



Existing historic lettering incised into masonry

Existing historic terra cotta signage

Appropriate new storefront signage

Appropriate new storefront sign

Signs Existing historic signs include those made of pressed brick and glazed tile masonry and incorporated into buildings at parapets or above windows or those inscribed in terra cotta above entrances. Historically signs were also located on awnings, above storefronts and on storefront glass. Painted wall signs were located on exposed party walls.

Further Information: For more information about sign requirements see the City of Chicago Zoning Ordinance

Repair/Restoration

Historic signs including historic painted wall signs should be retained when possible.

New Signs

Comply with the applicable sign ordinance.

Rooftop signs are prohibited.

Signs should be integrated into the design of the building and should not obscure or extend over any architectural features.

Halo lit reverse-channel signs with individual letters may be acceptable

Illuminated signs with opaque background and routed lettering may also be appropriate.

Hanging signs, blade signs, and banner signs may be allowed.

Lettering on storefront glazing and individual lettering is encouraged.

Sign attachments should not damage masonry. Anchorage should be placed at mortar joints.

Signs on awnings should be located on the valance. See Awnings.



Additions The following guidelines refer to vertical additions and rear additions to existing buildings. For side additions at grade, see guidelines for new construction. Types of additions include both habitable and non-habitable structures including roof top greenhouses, mechanical penthouses and green roofs. The following guidelines are intended to assist in designing additions that respect the character of the district, which is composed of buildings ranging from one to seven stories. Additions will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Unique circumstances, location, building type, and other conditions may warrant a solution that varies from these guidelines. All additions must also comply with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance. General

Vertical additions should be positioned on the roof so as to minimize their visibility from the public right-of-way.

Rooftop mechanical additions should be set back from street facades and located to reduce their visibility.

Rear additions are encouraged. Rear additions on corner lots should not be setback from the street.

Design

Additions are to be visually compatible with the existing building. The following criteria are used for evaluating additions:

- The new additions respects the general size, shape, and scale of the features associated with the property or district

- The site plan respects the general site characteristics associated with the property or district

- The design respects the general historic and architectural characteristics associated with the property or district.

- The addition is connected to the property in a way that does not alter, change, obscure, damage, or destroy any significant critical features.

Materials

Materials should be compatible with the property and with the district in general character, color and texture. Rooftop additions may employ alternative materials, i.e. glass, metal, wood, while maintaining a scale appropriate to the historic construction. Masonry is appropriate for addition walls aligned with the construction.

Rear additions should employ durable materials found in the district including brick masonry, limestone, terra cotta and materials compatible with the historic materials.

Materials not compatible the district includes: split face block concrete block, rough wood, monolithic materials, i.e. stucco, synthetic stucco (EFIS) and siding.

The color and finish of wall cladding should be compatible and selected to minimize visibility.



Example of an appropriate rooftop addition

Diagram showing an appropriate rooftop addition set back from street facades.

Example of inappropriate rooftop addition. Do not add directly above parapets.

Rooftop Additions*:

One-Story Addition** Minimum Setback Diagram

Two-Story Addition***

Minimum Setback Diagram

*Floor heights of rooftop additions should be consistent with floor heights of the historic building. **One-story additions allowed for buildings three stories or less. ***Two-story additions allowed only for buildings that are four stories or greater.

Rooftop Additions: Setbacks and Heights

Height of individual floors for rooftop additions should be compatible with the floor heights of the existing building and adjacent historic context.

Buildings with frontage on Fulton Market or Randolph Street shall have the following minimum setbacks and maximum addition heights:

- One-story addition (for buildings 1-3 stories in height) - Set back 15’ from Fulton Market or Randolph Street - Set back 10’ from side street

- Two-story additions (for buildings 4 stories or greater) - Set back 20’ from Fulton Market or Randolph Street - Set back 15’ from side street

For buildings fronting on all other streets, more lenient setbacks may apply. In very few instances there may be a case made to not have a setback, such as for buildings with no cornice or ornament. Evaluation of proposed rooftop additions are on a case-by-case basis and may require mock-ups, digital renderings or both.

GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES New Construction


Appropriate new construction built to lot line

Inappropriate new construction. Blank walls and stucco facades are not compatible with the historic character of the district. Street facades should not be set back from adjacent historic construction.

Setbacks/Orientation

To respect the character of the district, new, sympathetic in-fill construction should have no front or side setbacks. Entrances should be oriented toward the primary façade. New construction located on a corner site may take advantage of a corner entrance.

Massing/Scale

To reinforce the character of the district, the minimum height of new construction is 20 feet and the maximum height shall be compatible with the context of the district.

Except above first floors at street corners, curved or angled building lines are discouraged.

Primary facades should include storefront, display windows or extensive entryways and provide visibility toward the street.

Design

Designs should be contextual and incorporate elements found in the district including parapets, cornices, vertically proportioned masonry window openings at upper floors, storefront/pier configuration at street level and areas for signage.

The size and rhythm of piers, proportion of window openings, cornice and other elements designed to express traditional scale and patterns is encouraged.

Storefronts should have bulkheads and transoms.

Avoid exaggerated design motifs, the introduction of historic styles not found in the district and blank walls lacking fenestration on primary facades.

Materials

On primary facades, the use of durable, materials in appropriate colors found in the district including brick masonry, limestone, terra cotta and materials compatible with the historic materials is encouraged.

Materials not compatible with the character of the area should not be used on primary facades or visible elevations. These include: split face block concrete block, rough wood, monolithic materials, i.e. stucco, EFIS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System) and siding.

GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Streetscape – General


The following streetscape guidelines apply generally to the district, while additional guidelines are provided in separate sections to address unique conditions at each Randolph Street and Fulton Market. The main east-west thoroughfares through the district are: Randolph Street, Lake Street and Fulton Market. Randolph Street was historically widened to its existing 150 width, while Fulton Market and Lake Street are each 80 feet wide. Parkway widths at each of these streets average 16’ wide. Street furniture and plantings within the parkways are generally not historic features of the district, as most of this space would have historically been reserved for loading and market activities. At Lake Street, the most prominent element within the existing right of way is the historic track columns that sit at the face of curb and occupy the parking lane. A majority of the existing Lake Street parkway is void of landscape and furnishings creating wide, vacant sidewalks. A majority of the north south streets within this district can be considered neighborhood streets and have an average parkway width of 13’ wide. These streets provide a number of different services ranging from storefront retail to service adjacent businesses. For more description of Randolph Street and Fulton Market, see the following streetscape guidelines specific to each street.

Further Information: For more information on lighting see requirements for the Department of Electricity, For more information on landscape reference:

- City of Chicago Landscape Ordinance,

- CDOT Streetscape Guidelines,

- CDOT Street and Site Plan Design Guidelines.

Detail of CU Structural soil

Lighting

Pedestrian scale lighting is encouraged within the Market District to enhance the pedestrian experience. Care should be taken in the placement of the pedestrian poles to minimize conflicts with the daily operations of the adjacent business’ loading and daily operations.

Parkway Plantings and Tree Canopy

Tree Canopy:

- Loading zone limits should be analyzed when considering tree placement, as trees should not impede daily operations. Trees in grates allow for greater circulation and should be considered for valet and temporary loading zone locations. Trees in grates will preserve the historic hardscape nature of the parkway while providing adequate tree canopy to combat the environmental concerns faced in today’s environment. Provide trees in grates sufficient soil volume by use of below pavement soil strategies; structural soil or structural decking similar to Silva Cell.

- It is strongly discouraged to place trees within permanent loading zones or loading docks.

Plantings:

- Although parkway widths within the district warrant continuous planting per the landscape ordinance, this is strongly discouraged within the parkway due to loading zones and heavy pedestrian traffic.

Poor example of landscape use, landscape should not

obstruct loading dock use

Good example of repurposed materials for site

furnishings

GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Streetscape – General


Example of structural decking similar to Silva Cell. Further Information: For more information on café seating see Chicago’s Rules and Regulations for Sidewalk Café’s

Furnishings

Historically, furnishings were not a part of the streetscape environment, although newly inhabited retail storefronts could benefit from benches, bike racks and trash receptacles.

Furnishings should not impede business’ daily operations and should not be located within loading zones.

In locations where site furnishings are requested, furnishing designs should maintain the industrial aesthetics as previously described with the architectural guidelines.

Café Seating

Boundaries, tables and chairs should be inconspicuous and industrial in style, compatible with façade treatment and material selection. Raw materials are encouraged with forms reminiscent of surrounding architectural vernacular.

Loading Zones

Careful considerations should be paid when placing streetscape elements to avoid conflict with the business’ daily operations and requirements for loading zones.

GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Streetscape – Randolph Street


Strong example of median treatments at pedestrian crossings

Use of the following streetscape guidelines are encouraged.

Further Information: For more information on median design see CDOT’s landscape design guidelines and CDOT’s complete Streets Guidelines. Reference CDOT’s Make Way For People Program for creative ways to reinterpret existing parking stalls.

Light Poles

Placement: Double armed Light pole fixtures should remain in planted medians to maximize pedestrian space within the parkway.

Existing Planted Medians

Shade trees located within the medians serve to reduce the effects of urban heat island as well as to provide a much needed visual relief to the broad open vista created by the 150’ right of way.

The height of the existing understory plantings creates a strong visual barrier between the north and the south. Replacement understory vegetation should not exceed 12” in height from the top of curb to preserve a feeling of openness, reminiscent of the historic intent created by the widened right of way.

Raised concrete planters are discouraged. Raised planters create visual barriers between pedestrians and motorists greatly decreasing pedestrian safety on this highly trafficked roadway.

Pedestrian refuge islands: where feasible extend raised curbs past pedestrian crossing to provide feeling of safety.

Parking Lanes

It is encouraged to reconsider the opportunities with the existing perpendicular parking lanes. Transformation of a portion of the parking lane into a bike corral or additional café space is encouraged. When developing designs be careful to consider materials and form reminiscent of surrounding architectural vernacular.

GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Streetscape – Fulton Market


Example of pavers within the parkway

Example of the existing loading activities

Example of limited railing use. Portions of existing loading docks can be removed to efficiently create

ADA accessible entries with steps and elevators

POOR Example of a side street ramp that is oriented parallel with the roadway curb. These ramps should allow adequate space for parked cars to open doors and pedestrians to circulate. The use of chain link fencing is not allowed. Necessary railings should be positioned to allow for a comfortable pedestrian experience, vertical elements too close to the roadway can create a confining experience.

GOOD example of an appropriate edge treatment

Example of an edge treatment

Pavement

When possible, consider opportunities to introduce pavements that are reminiscent of the historic market time. Pavers can be used within the parkway to reinforce a historic character. Avoid pavers with specialized finishes and sizes unless supported by historic evidence.

Recommended paver type : Belgium block Grading

Loading docks and flush curb conditions are a part of the unique character of this corridor. Special considerations should be made to match existing grades and floor plate elevations.

Within the design of these accommodations of existing features, a number of elements need to be considered. These include specific railing and ramping requirements. Discussion of appropriate railing design is discussed under a separate heading below.

Accessible Routes: Creative solutions should be explored when designing building entries and parkway grading to meet current ADA requirements. Sidewalk elevations should be consistent along building faces and ramps should be located along side streets whenever possible.

Loading Dock treatment of walls taller than 9” should consider concrete with a steel angle at the face of the curb. Treatment should not impede the installation of bumper pads.

Railings

Careful consideration should be paid when analyzing the need for railings. Avoid conflict with the adjacent business’ daily operations and requirements for loading.

Material: When applicable, black steel railings are encouraged and should be visually compatible with façade treatment. Maintain an industrial aesthetic that is transparent and minimal in design to allow for views to the adjacent building façade.

GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Streetscape – Fulton Market


Example of an appropriate railing Further Information: For more information on ADA compliance see CDOT’s ADA standards.

Flush sidewalk treatment

Flush curb conditions are a part of the unique character of this corridor. Special considerations should be made to match existing grades and floor plate elevations.

Transitional separation between the vehicular and pedestrian zone is required to maintain the safety of pedestrians.

Parking Lane

Due to the local businesses daily loading operations, it is strongly discouraged to locate a people spot within the parking lane along Fulton Market.

Strong example of creative ADA compliance ramping and railing design along the side street

Strong example of a cohesive entry experience integrating ramps and stairs from sidewalk level

Example of a separation between pedestrian and vehicular zones


Presentations & Public Speaking

Fulton Market Innovation District Plan Draft: Part Two - Design Guidelines (May 2014)